It helps contribute to maintaining a low-energy home and preserve the environment. Energy efficient appliances are generally labelled, following similar standards in each country. In most countries it is mandatory to display an 'Energy' label on many appliances.

Energy Efficient Labelling

Under EU regulations the following electrical goods must carry an energy efficient label:

Washing Machines
Tumble Dryers
Dishwashers
Refrigerators
Freezers
Boilers
Electric Ovens
Digital Televisions
Lamps, Light bulbs, Light fittings.

Understanding Energy Labels

Energy labels rate the efficiency of an appliance according to an acceptable standard. For example, the EU energy label ranges from 'A' to 'G', with 'A' being the most efficient and 'G' being the least efficient.

The least enery efficient household appliances are washing machines and dishwashers.

These will often carry additional categories, such as 'A+' and 'A++'.

A+ models are between 25% more efficient than standard models.

A++ models are 60% more efficient than standard models.

Energy labels also include other useful information that helps purchasers rate them according to their energy consumption goals.

This may include:

Energy consumption - in kWh (kilo watt hours - units of energy used per hour). The less kW per hour that are being consumed, the more efficient the appliance will be, thus reducing damage to the environment and saving money.
Performance Gauge - from 'A' to 'G' for washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers . A is the highest performance, G the lowest.
Water Consumption - Lower water consumption will be cost effective and will have positive effects for the environment.
Noise level - measured in decibels [dB]
Energy Efficiency Recommended - awarded by government supported 'Energy Efficient Trusts' and only applied to the most efficient products.

Energy Efficient Products

Least Efficient Products - this is where you can make some great energy savings by reading a few labels and looking for appliances with more advanced, energy efficient technoloyg. Savings of up to 80% can be achieved in this category of appliances.

Refrigerators - up to 80% energy saving
Freezers
Washing Machines - up to 30% energy saving
Tumble Dryers
Dishwashers

Using the most efficient appliances across the board will have a massive impact on the amount of energy you consume. Fortunately, there is now strong pressure on both manufacturers and retailers to provide energy efficient appliances.

Even small electrical appliances can have an impact, using energy efficient Compact Fluorescent bulbs can save up to 4 times more energy than a standard bulb.

So every time you are buying a new appliance, of any size, ask the vendor to compare the energy efficiency for you. It may make your shopping a little longer, but it saves you money in the longer term, and contributes to saving the environment.

Solar Cookers

Solar cookers use sunlight for cooking, drying and pasteurization; thereby offsetting electricity or fuel costs whilst simultaneously improving air quality by reducing smoke.

Box Cooker - The simplest class of solar cooker, consisting of an insulated container with a transparent lid. These cookers can be used effectively with partially overcast skies and will typically reach temperatures of 50-100 °C. These appliances are economic, simple and perform well.

Concentrating solar cookers - use reflectors to concentrate light on a cooking container. Reflectors may be either flat plate, disc and parabolic trough type. These cookers cook faster and at higher temperatures (up to 315 °C); but do require direct light and need to "track" the sun.

Next: Sustainable Heating Systems

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